I welcome today’s action by the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court certifying the results of the national election. Voter turnout in the March 7th vote was strong across Iraq’s 18 provinces. Iraq’s electoral commission and security forces successfully organized and carried out a credible and competitive election. Since then, the electoral commission has worked in a careful, professional way to bring the process to this concluding point. This experience demonstrates that Iraqis want to use the political process to choose their leaders and settle differences.

With the election results officially certified, we call on Iraq's political leaders to move forward without delay to form an inclusive and representative government that will work on behalf of the Iraqi people.

In the coming months, we will work together as our partnership continues its transition with the goal of building a robust and long-lasting relationship between our two nations – a partnership that will contribute to growing peace and prosperity in Iraq and stability in the Middle East.